Nativity sets, angels — and children — bringing the Christmas story to life. Can there be any more joyous images at Christmas time?
Santa collection of former Associate Pastor Fr. Wayne Dupuis, who passed away in 2004
At St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas, families displayed their nativity sets, angels — and Santa collections — after all Masses last weekend, before children of the parish combined to present a living nativity.
“It’s a wonderful event that brings together the entire parish,” says Viatorian Associate Rosy Hartz, religious education and Campus Ministry director at St. Viator.
Over at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin
Children present a living nativity at St. Viator Catholic Community in Las Vegas
Mary Parish in Bourbonnais, children in the religious education department dressed as angels, shepherds and the wise men in bringing the birth of Jesus to life.
“We feel it is important to recognize the real meaning of Christmas, especially with children,” says Maria Pallissard, religious education director.
Religious education students at Maternity BVM bring the Christmas story to life
Members of the adult and youth choirs — and musicians — accompanied the children, before everyone enjoyed cookies and hot cocoa.
Beyond hearing the words of the Christmas story told again, these parish activities bear out one of the main principles of the Viatorian mission statement: raising up communities of faith.